Discover the beauty of the towns and countryside of Slovenian Istria

You are only a few minutes' drive inland from the coast and seaside towns, towards Šavrinské gričevje. Numerous cultural treasures, from sights, many authentic villages, the Mediterranean landscape, Istrian cuisine and, last but not least, the hospitality of the locals, are just some of the reasons to visit the hinterland of Slovenian Istria.

The Slovenian coast attracts with its charming seaside towns of Koper, Izola and Piran and unforgettable experiences on and by the sea. But if you take just one step inside, you will also be impressed by the idyllic image of the coastal hinterland. Cute Istrian villages, which hide many cultural treasures, selected delicacies of the Istrian land and friendly locals, will leave a deep impression on your memory.

One of these villages is the village of Popetre, which lies along the side road between Gračišče and Truški, on the ridge of Pičence above the valley of the river Dragonja, which originates just below the village. Because of this special location, people from various surrounding villages traveled through Popetre, some on their way to the municipality, and others in the opposite direction, via Gračišče, Smokvice to Movraž. From here, they continued on foot towards Rakitovec to the railway station, after various errands and in different directions.

The village was first mentioned in 1028, when the Roman emperor Konrad II donated it, like most of the villages with lands along the Dragonja river, to the Ogle patriarchs. Later, Popetre became the property of the manor Filipo di Cosliaco (among other possessions he also owned the fortified Kozjak castle). In 1250, he sold the village to the feudal lord Andrej de Cirlago. The estates later became the property of his successors. Since 1505, the village was owned by the rich noble family Bembi from Koper. In 1602, however, the fief passed into the ownership of the Morati landowners. They settled in Izola at the beginning of the 14th century. In the 17th century. they connected with the nobility in Poreč. In the 19th century. they were granted the noble title by the Austrian Emperor Franz I. During this period, the village of Popetre was known as Cain.

Above the village square, somewhat obscured by the houses, stands the church of St. Apostle. Andrew - the apostle celebrates on November 30. The church is consecrated, covered, with windows that close. It has a bell, a dedicated altar, is moderately decorated and has everything needed for mass, including a chalice. There is a cemetery next to the church.